City of Derby

Municipal Court Definitions

Arraignment

Arraignment is the time scheduled for a defendant to appear in court and enter a plea on the violations for which they have been charged. Defendants may enter a plea of:

Guilty
Defendant admits to having committed the act charged. The Judge will order a fine, jail time or other sentence.

Not Guilty
Defendant denies guilt thereby making it necessary for the City to prove its charge.

No Contest
Defendant does not contest the City’s charge. Upon a plea of no contest, the Judge will enter a verdict of guilty and order a fine, jail time or other sentence. A plea of no contest is not an admission of fault and cannot be used against you in a civil proceeding.

If all violations charged on your traffic ticket have a specified fine amount, you may choose not to appear in court and to pay fines and fees prior to your court date. If any violation charged on your traffic ticket specifies ‘Court’, you must appear in court for arraignment on your Notice to Appear date.

If your violation has a specified fine amount and you choose to pay fines and fees prior to your court date, you may enter your appearance, waive your right to trial, plead guilty or no contest to the violation and pay in person or by mail. At the bottom of the back of your traffic ticket, you must circle your plea of Guilty or No Contest in the paragraph under Appearance, Plea of Guilty and Waiver. Complete the designated line with the date and your signature. This traffic ticket must accompany your payment for fines and fees.

You may send a personal check or money order made payable to the City of Derby for the total due for fines plus court costs.

Payment by credit card may be accepted by the court clerk by telephone or appearance at the Derby Municipal Court.

Failure to appear in court or pay scheduled fines and fees could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

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